Lions Ready for Doubleheader Against Detroit Mercy
The University of North Alabama softball team is on fire! With a five-game win streak, the Lions face Detroit Mercy on Sunday. The doubleheader starts at 2 p.m. at Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium.
Currently, UNA boasts a record of 15-4, winning 10 of their last 11 games. They are also unbeatable at home, with a perfect 5-0 record this season.
Detroit Mercy, though, poses a challenge. They’ve recently been a tough opponent for UNA, splitting their last two doubleheaders. The Titans come to Florence with a not-so-great 3-11 record, determined to turn things around after three straight losses.
As fans anticipate the games, they can follow updates on social media or check RoarLions.com for weather info. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the game was pushed to Sunday to avoid bad weather. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+, with Benjamin Ray and Grant Wakefield providing the commentary.
Matchup Details
- Teams: North Alabama vs. Detroit Mercy
- Dates: Sunday, March 8
- Times: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Venue: Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium
Recent Performances
In their last outing, the Lions dominated Oakland University, winning easily with scores of 9-0 and 7-1. Sophomore Holly Merritt shined, hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs. Senior Alivia Wilken pitched an impressive shutout in the opener, allowing only four hits. Katie Simon, another senior, also performed well, improving her record to 7-0.
Both Merritt and Simon received ASUN Player and Pitcher of the Week honors recently. Merritt leads the Lions with a .450 batting average and has accumulated 14 RBIs over the last four games. Simon has pitched 42.2 innings this season, maintaining a low 2.13 ERA.
Key Players and Stats
The Lions’ success can be attributed to their consistent offense. Junior Bayleigh Rouse has reached base safely in 17 straight games, while senior Gyvan Hammons has achieved a seven-game hitting streak. Freshman Livy Huter also has a five-game hitting streak.
Junior Briley Dover stands out as a versatile player. She has played multiple positions and ranks among the top hitters in the Atlantic Sun Conference, batting .438 with 28 hits. Overall, UNA leads the ASUN with a .338 batting average and ranks second in pitching with a 3.30 ERA.
Notably, UNA is ranked 38th nationally out of 308 teams for batting average and 33rd for scoring, averaging over seven runs per game.
Looking Ahead to the Titans
Detroit Mercy has had a rough start, with all 14 games played away from home. Their senior catcher, Trinity Fessler, is a key player, batting .344 and ranking high for caught stealing among catchers. Freshman Savannah Schultz leads their pitching staff with a 5.43 ERA.
Historically, UNA and Detroit Mercy have faced off evenly; the series is tied at 2-2. Each team has claimed victories in tight matches over the past two years.
These games promise excitement as both teams look to shift their seasons in their favor!
For updates, check out the UNA Athletics website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
